Cutting Edge Programmes

Whether mixing it up, introducing you to something new or opening your mind to new experiences, Freespace Fest is all about breaking boundaries and what’s happening right now. Take a look at our hottest and coolest events.

Experience an immersive, interactive smart show – an intimate show you share with 1000 other people! Step inside a mysterious walled city at the waterfront promenade and you will be transported to an alternate yet exciting reality where a smartphone app will guide your every step.

So are you prepared for a digital/live journey? Get your tickets now to secure a key to the world of M.U.R.S.!

For aged 12 or above. Separate tickets for M.U.R.S. are required, which include free entry to Freespace Fest on the same day.

24 Hour Pop Song

22 Nov (Sat) 2pm - 23 Nov (Sun) 2pm, Container Zone

How many times can you listen to the same song over and over again? '24 Hour Pop Song' is something for insomniacs and pop-consumerates. We dare you to listen to our very own Hong Kong mega star’s top hit over and over again for 24 hours. Yes, that’s right: one song for 24 hours. But don’t worry, each version will be unique as our musicians distort, reinterpret and experiment with the tune based on ideas from the public. A free jazz exploration, or maybe a thrash metal deconstruction – we want your ideas.

Send us your piece or ideaThe possibilities are endless! For example, you could send in a sound sample from your iPhone recorder (but please: something more than just bad karaoke!), an idea written on a piece of paper (a poem? a new piece of music?), or even an elaborate performance art concept. Please send your ideas to 24hourpop@hknme.org by 7 November 2014. Your piece or idea may be interpreted by the musicians involved in the performance in Freespace Fest.

Disclaimer: HKNME retains its discretion to select the musical programme based on all final submissions Curated by William Lane@HKNME

Club 0db

You know how it is when you have pesky neighbours who always complain that your music is just too loud. Help us out by bringing your own set of headphones and enter Club 0db where you and the DJ can become one. Go as loud as you want and dance without a care in the world. We promise a heady experience. Just don’t complain if your eardrums explode with aural pleasure! Here we have the most eclectic selection here: from bass to footwork to drum n bass to funk, no top-40 nonsense though.

s.l.o.a.p. (Space Left Over After Planning)

Branch Nebula from Sydney, Australia brings ‘s.l.o.a.p.’ (Space Left Over After Planning), their latest international production to Hong Kong. In collaboration with local street-style artists: parkourists, trickers, dancers, a trial motorcyclist, and a sound artist, they construct a massive playground of steel shipping containers, concrete blocks, and wooden boxes. ‘s.l.o.a.p.’ is a visual spectacle in which tightly choreographed, fast paced action places the human body at the limits of survival. The performers hunt for challenges in the built environment, finding them in the most surprising ways, jumping gaps with cat-like agility, and landing with absolute precision. In the midst of the swirling bodies is you – the audience, playing a role as a ‘human obstacle’. If you have the guts to be positioned in the middle of the action then come and volunteer to be in ‘s.l.o.a.p.’. They say “Everyday you should do something that scares you”, and we need audience members to be in each performance. So bring your courage and be in the show, and bring all your friends to watch!

How to be a ‘sloaper’We will recruit 30 participants for each session at the Arena 30 minutes before show starts.As a sloaper, you need to be:

Physically fit, and free from heart, back, or neck problems. Expectant mothers should not join

Above 8 years old (but it wouldn't be good if they were all 8 years old - so a variety of ages would be good)

Wear comfy shoes

About Branch NebulaFounded by Lee Wilson and Mirabelle Wouters, Australian company Branch Nebula works across disciplines in performance, dance and design to challenge mainstream cultural conventions. Branch Nebula works with non-conventional performers and street-style artists to create professional opportunities and new visions for engaging with street-styles and choreography. Their works, which include the Helpmann nominated “Concrete And Bone Sessions” and the Green Room award winning “Whelping Box”, have been toured to many festivals around the world.

'Drumming Part One', Steve Reich / 'Clapping Music', Steve Reich

22 Nov (Sat) 11:30am-12:30pm, Container Zone

Steve Reich, Grammy Award-winning composer, has been described as one of “a handful of living composers who can legitimately claim to have altered the direction of musical history”.

A pioneer in the field of minimalist music, Reich is known for his pulsing, driving compositions and ‘Drumming’ is one of his most important works. Inspired by traditional music from Ghana it features four pairs of bongos played by four players to create a compelling rhythmic soundscape.

‘Clapping Music’ is another famous piece by Steve Reich which features two musicians clapping – as simple as that! Watch the video and pay special attention to the changing sequence, you’ll find out how the song is structured and what makes clapping so thrilling!

Join us and discover first-hand what makes clapping tick!Join us on the day and experience music in the most cost free way possible: no expensive musical instruments needed but the most accessible musical gear of all – a pair of hands! Don’t worry if you haven’t had much musical training, your innate sense of rhythm will help you create this seminal piece.

Performed by HKNME Percussion Quartet Curated by William Lane@HKNME

Game: 'Cobra', John Zorn

23 Nov (Sun) 1pm-1:30pm, Music Stage

In theory it might sound simple, but in practice it's pretty mind-blowing. John Zorn’s classic 'Cobra' takes music to a new level by turning it into a game.

Using hand signals and cue cards to help direct the action the musicians improvise but follow an elaborate set of rules that create totally unique and unpredictable results. There is even the chance for you to take part by adding your own sounds to the performance. Sound confusing? It is, but in practice it’s pretty mind-blowing.

Performed by a collective of local musicians and Freespace Fest artists, coordinated by Sascia Pellegrini and Craig Pepples. Curated by William Lane@HKNME

'Black Angels', George Crumb

23 Nov (Sun) 5:50pm-6:20pm, Music Stage

Want something truly edgy? We guarantee you’ll get a strong reaction from listening to American avant-garde composer George Crumb’s ‘Black Angels’ which was influenced the impact of the USA’s war in Vietnam. With its explosive use of experimental sounds including shouting, chanting, whistling, whispering, this piece remains notable for its unconventional instrumentation which includes gongs, maracas and crystal glasses.

‘Things were turned upside down. There were terrifying things in the air. They found their way into Black Angels.’ — George Crumb